
I first discovered this sizzling creation at a Filipino food festival in Boston, where the aroma of crispy pork and tangy seasonings drew me in. This version brings that street food magic to your kitchen with a surprising twist.
Pork sisig traditionally features crispy pork bits, but adding mayonnaise creates an irresistibly creamy texture that balances the dish’s bold flavors. The combination of savory, tangy, and creamy makes this a standout version of the classic.
You’ll achieve that signature sizzle by cooking everything in a cast iron skillet, then finishing with a dollop of mayo that melts into the hot ingredients. The result is rich, satisfying, and packed with authentic flavor.
Serve this immediately while hot for the full experience, with extra mayo on the side for those who want to enhance the creaminess. This dish delivers restaurant quality at home.
Ingredients for Pork Sisig Recipe with Mayonnaise
Pantry staples meet bold Filipino flavors with this unexpected creamy twist.
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pork Shoulder 🥩 | 1 ½ lb | Diced into small cubes |
| Pork Liver 🥩 | ½ lb | Optional, finely chopped |
| Yellow Onion 🧅 | 1 whole | Finely diced |
| Garlic Cloves 🧄 | 6 cloves | Minced |
| Jalapeño Pepper 🌶️ | 2 whole | Seeds removed, minced |
| Calamansi Juice 🍋 | ¼ cup | Or substitute lime juice |
| Soy Sauce 🫒 | ¼ cup | Low-sodium preferred |
| White Vinegar 🍶 | 2 tbsp | For acidity balance |
| Mayonnaise 🥚 | ½ cup | Full-fat for creaminess |
| Butter 🧈 | 4 tbsp | Unsalted, divided |
| Ground Black Pepper 🌶️ | 1 tsp | Freshly cracked preferred |
| Salt 🧂 | 1 tsp | To taste, divided |
| Chili Flakes 🔥 | ½ tsp | Adjust for heat preference |
| Green Onions 🧅 | 4 whole | Thinly sliced for garnish |
| Lime 🍋 | 1 whole | Cut into wedges for serving |
The pork is the star here. Pork shoulder gives you that perfect crispy-yet-tender texture—avoid lean cuts like tenderloin that dry out. I grab mine from local Asian markets where the quality is top-notch. If you’re using pork liver (traditional but optional), look for fresh, bright red pieces and soak them in milk for 30 minutes to mellow the flavor before cooking.
No calamansi? Lime juice works perfectly—just use the same amount. Swap the jalapeño for serrano peppers if you want more heat, or bell peppers for zero spice. Out of soy sauce? Coconut aminos bring a similar salty depth. The mayo is non-negotiable though—it’s what makes this version special. Full-fat only (trust me on this one).
Cook the pork the same day you buy it, or freeze it for up to 3 months. Leftovers keep 3-4 days in the fridge—reheat in a skillet to revive the sizzle. The calamansi or lime juice prevents the avocado in guacamole from browning (worth the extra minute).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pan Magic: I love that I can sizzle everything—pork, liver, onions, and jalapeños—in a single pan, then finish it with mayo right there.
- Rich, Smoky Depth: The pork shoulder and liver soak up the garlic and jalapeño heat, and that mayo at the end? Pure creamy indulgence.
- Weeknight MVP: Honestly, it’s my go-to for busy evenings—ready before the rice cooker beeps.
- Budget Stretcher: A pound of pork shoulder and a little liver feed my whole family, with leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Pork Sisig With Mayonnaise
Here’s the method. Straightforward, tested, works every time.
Step 1: Sear the Pork Shoulder and Liver
Heat 2 tbsp butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted and foamy. Add the diced 1.5 lb Pork Shoulder and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through.
Push the pork to one side and add the finely chopped 0.5 lb Pork Liver. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the liver is no longer pink inside. This ensures both meats are fully cooked while developing deep, savory flavors. Season lightly with ½ tsp Salt and ½ tsp Ground Black Pepper during cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Build Flavor
Reduce heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tbsp butter to the skillet. Toss in the finely diced 1 whole Yellow Onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent.
Add the minced 6 cloves Garlic Cloves and minced 2 whole Jalapeño Pepper, stirring constantly for 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should turn golden, not dark brown. This aromatic base is the soul of your sisig.
Step 3: Season and Finishing Touches
Pour in the 0.25 cup Soy Sauce, 0.25 cup Calamansi Juice, and 2 tbsp White Vinegar. Stir well to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
Remove from heat and stir in the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise, remaining ½ tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes. The mayonnaise will melt into the mixture, creating a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pork. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve Sizzling
Transfer the sisig to a preheated cast-iron skillet or sizzling plate to keep it hot. Top with thinly sliced 4 whole Green Onions and serve immediately with 1 whole Lime cut into wedges on the side.
The key to authentic presentation is that sizzling sound as it hits the table. The contrast of the crispy pork edges with the creamy sauce, brightened by the citrusy calamansi and lime, makes this dish unforgettable. Serve with steamed rice to soak up every last bit of flavor.
Pro Tips For Making Pork Sisig Recipe With Mayonnaise
- Boil the Liver First: Parboil the pork liver for 2-3 minutes before chopping to mellow its bitterness and keep it tender. I learned this the hard way after one too many gritty, overpowering bites.
- Chill Before Chopping: Pop the cooked pork shoulder in the fridge for 15 minutes before dicing—it firms up the meat so you get clean, even pieces instead of a mushy mess.
- Skip Raw Mayo: Lightly toast the mayo in the pan for 30 seconds after adding it to the sisig; it deepens the flavor and blends better with the rendered pork fat.
- Char the Onions: Let the yellow onions caramelize until deeply browned, almost crispy at the edges. Sounds weird, but it works: it adds a sweet contrast that balances the liver’s richness.
Regional Styles of This Recipe
Manila Street Style
In the capital, vendors serve sisig sizzling on cast iron plates with a raw egg mixed in at the end. I recreate this by adding the 0.5 cup Mayonnaise just after pulling from heat, letting the residual warmth create that signature creaminess. The egg is optional—mayo does the trick beautifully. 🌟
Pampanga Original
The birthplace of sisig uses pig’s head parts (ears, cheeks) for texture. For home cooks, Pork Shoulder gives similar richness. The mayo twist is my Boston adaptation—Pampanga purists might frown, but it works wonderfully. The acidity from Calamansi Juice cuts through perfectly.
Cebu Spicy Version
Cebuano cooks amp up heat with siling labuyo (bird’s eye chili). I use 0.5 tsp Chili Flakes plus an extra minced Jalapeño Pepper for that kick. The mayo tempers the spice while keeping all the bold flavors intact. Serve with extra lime wedges to balance.
Bicol Creamy Take
Bicol region loves coconut milk in dishes, but here we use Mayonnaise for creaminess. The contrast with Soy Sauce and White Vinegar creates that sweet-savory-tangy profile. I find the mayo version more approachable for first-timers while keeping authentic Filipino soul.
American Adaptation
Stateside versions often include bacon or ground pork for ease. While I prefer traditional Pork Shoulder, adding crispy bacon bits mimics the texture beautifully. The mayo makes it feel familiar to American palates while introducing them to Filipino flavors.
Vegetable-Forward
For a lighter take, some Manila eateries load up on Green Onions and add diced bell peppers. The mayo binds everything together without overpowering. I love this version for weeknight dinners—still packed with flavor but feels a touch healthier. 💡
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Swap the 1.5 lb pork shoulder for boneless chicken thighs. Cook for 6-8 minutes until 165°F internally. Chicken stays juicy and absorbs the flavors well.
Why add mayonnaise to sisig?
The 0.5 cup mayonnaise creates a creamy texture that balances the dish’s tangy, savory notes. It also helps bind the ingredients together for that perfect sizzling presentation.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Cook and store the mixture without mayo for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet, then stir in fresh mayonnaise just before serving to maintain creaminess.
What if I don’t have calamansi?
Substitute equal parts lime juice or lemon juice. The acidity is key for cutting through the richness of the pork and mayo.
- Potato Patty Recipe No Egg: Crispy Edges Without the Binder - October 30, 2026
- Paula Deen’s Potato Chip Cookies Recipe: Salty-Sweet Crunch in Every Bite - October 30, 2026
- Potato Gnocchi Recipe Ideas: Pillowy Soft Dumplings With Rustic Charm - October 30, 2026